Nail Down Bamboo Installation

Nail Down Bamboo Installation

Nail Down Installation Guidelines

Click here to download Instructions [PDF]
Click here to download instructions in Spanish [PDF]
Inspect the bamboo product for the correct shipment, grade, and for any visible defects prior to installation. Our Warranty does not cover bamboo products with visible defects that are installed.Prior to Installation of Bamboo Floor:

It is the responsibility of the owner/installer to ensure that the flooring and the sub floor have been acclimated sufficiently. Moisture content should not vary more than 3% between floor and subfloor at time of installation.

After receiving your order, Gala Manufacturing recommends storing the Bamboo flooring at installation area, with boxes opened, for a minimum 72 hours before installation to allow flooring to adjust to room temperature and humidity.

Since bamboo is a natural product visible color variations may occur. We recommend opening all cartons of flooring before beforebeginning installation to check for shade and then mixing cartons to achieve a natural variation throughout the entire floor.

Since wood expands with any increase in moisture content, we recommend leaving at least 1/2″ expansion space between flooring and all walls and vertical objects (such as pipes and cabinets).

Moisture difference between the floor and the sub-floor should not be more than 3 %

Determine the installation method that best suits your application: Gala Manufacturing’s Bamboo floors may be Floated (not secured to the sub floor), Glued, or Nailed.

Determine the installation method that best suits your application: Gala Manufacturing’s Bamboo floors may be Floated (not secured to the sub floor), Glued, or Nailed.

Nail-Down Installation Method:

Before you start we recommend that the sub floor is tested for moisture content first and is properly prepared. Prep the sub-floor using an asphalt, felt or rosin paper and install as recommended by the manufacturer. When nailing, the bamboo floor should be always laid perpendicular to the floor joist. Choose a nailer model that is specifically designed for tongue and groove applications so no damage is caused to the surface of the flooring.Recommended Tools:

Test the pressure and angle of your pneumatic nailer with a test plank of flooring. If you note any dimpling, adjust the air pressure/angle accordingly. Test until dimpling no longer occurs and continue.

Hold starter row in place by blind nailing (an alternative choice is to glue down the first row to avoid unsightly nail marks).

Begin installation next to an outside wall. This is the best reference for establishing a straight working line.

After the first two rows are secured, start the next row by nailing directly above the tongue at a 45 degree angle.

Recommended nail spacing is 10 to 12 inches apart along the length of each floorboard.

Avoid nailing closer that 6”from the end of the plank.

Connect the short side of the second plank together with the matting side of the first plank.

Cut the last plank and complete the row. Use the remaining plank to start the second row.

Be sure to offset the end joins of consecutive rows by a minimum of six inches for best appearance.

Continue the second row by connecting the short edges of the planks first with the long edges.

The last row may require rip cutting the planks to size.

As with the other rows, connect the short edges first and use a pull bar to tap the long edges together.

Remember to always allow ½” to ¾” space for expansion around the perimeter of the room.

Always check your working lines to be sure the floor is still aligned.

The last two rows will need to be secured in the same manner as the first two rows.

Radiant Heat Systems
Gala Manufacturing’s Bamboo flooring is recommended for use over radiant heat systems only if flooring surface temperature does not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, check with the heating manufacture to successfully limit the max temperatures in order not to exceed recommended surface temp. Relative Humidity must be maintained between 40-60%. Sub floor moisture should never vary greater or less than 3% than that of the flooring moisture content. 5/8″ Plywood or ¾” oriented strand (OSB) boards are recommended for sub floor materials in radiant installations. The floating installation method is the most suitable for use with radiant heat systems. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the recommended environmental conditions are met and are suitable for installation of Gala Manufacturing’s Bamboo flooring products.

Radiant heat system must be turned on and in operation for at least 6 days before installation.

The system must be turned off for several hours just prior to installation.

Once the installation is complete the system must be turned back on and brought back up to normal operating temperature slowly (over a period 4-5 days).

Maintenance:

Gala Manufacturing recommends to Vacuum or sweep the floor on a regular
basis or as needed to remove dirt, sand or grit. Soak up spills immediately using a dry towel or dry mop. Never wet-mop a hardwood floor. Protect floor from moving furniture by using “feet” or protective caps. Pick up heavy objects; do not slide furniture or appliances across the floor. Keep pets nails trimmed to avoid excess scratching. Avoid rubber backing, vinyl or non-ventilated rugs. Limit direct sunlight on floor by using curtains and blinds in areas that are exposed to high UV rays. Maintain humidity between 40% -60%. To remove hard-to-clean substances such as chewing gum, use Goof-Off or Goo-Gone. Floor wax and oil should not be used.